Shanghai's first sightseeing bus route connecting scenic spots and downtown commercial areas began on Tuesday morning from its Shanghai Stadium departure point.

The new sightseeing route includes Xujiahui, Huaihai Road, Yuyuan Garden and the Bund.

After a free sightseeing bus route along downtown Huaihai Road began early last year, some passengers suggested the route be extended to the Bund. It prompted the traffic authority to improve the service.

Ten new buses will cover the route. The open-air, double-decker buses will be staffed with specially trained workers to make the trip more fun.

The lower deck will even have tea tables and some leather seats. Large-screen digital televisions will also be installed on the sightseeing buses.

The new buses will run every 15 minutes and have their own bus stops.

The route begins from the bus terminal at Shanghai Stadium and extends to Longmen Road.

Tickets are three yuan (41 US cents) each.

(Shanghai Daily January 8, 2008)